recognizance

[ ri-kog-nuh-zuhns, -kon-uh- ]

/ rɪˈkɒg nə zəns, -ˈkɒn ə- /

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See synonyms for recognizance on Thesaurus.com

noun

Law.

a bond or obligation of record entered into before a court of record or a magistrate, binding a person to do a particular act.
the sum pledged as surety on such a bond.

Archaic. recognition.

Archaic. a token; badge.

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Origin of recognizance

1350–1400; Middle English reconissaunce, recognisance<Old French reconuissance.See recognize, -ance

Words nearby recognizance

recliner, reclosable, recluse, reclusion, recognition, recognizance, recognize, recognizee, recognizor, recoil, recoil escapement

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use recognizance in a sentence

His attorney, James Knox, did not respond to a request for comment, but the clerk for the Rotterdam Town Court said McDermott pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance.
Dozens of nooses have shown up on U.S. construction sites. The culprits rarely face consequences.|Taylor Telford|July 22, 2021|Washington Post
During his appearance in court Wednesday, he said he is seeking an attorney and was released on personal recognizance.
Marine Corps officer is first known active-duty service member charged in Capitol riot|Alex Horton, Spencer Hsu|May 13, 2021|Washington Post
After appearing via teleconference in federal court on Thursday, Chapman was reportedly released on his own recognizance.
‘We Are Not a Match.’ Bumble User Turns in Alleged Capitol Rioter Who Boasted About Taking Part in the Jan. 6 Insurrection|Megan McCluskey|April 23, 2021|Time
The records show he was released on personal recognizance with a requirement that he report regularly to the court’s Pre-Trial Services Agency, and a stay-away order was issued by the judge.
U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes just 7 D.C. hate crimes in 2020|Lou Chibbaro Jr.|April 2, 2021|Washington Blade

Keller, 38, was released last month on a personal recognizance bond and is in Colorado Springs.
Grand jury beefs up charges against Olympian Klete Keller related to Capitol riot|Rick Maese|February 11, 2021|Washington Post
He was released within the hour without a bond on his own recognizance.
What Would Happen if I Got in White Cop’s Face?|Goldie Taylor|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Williams was released on his own recognizance over the weekend and is expected back before a judge on Feb. 9, 2015.
Exposed: The Gay-Bashing Pastor’s Same-Sex Assault|M.L. Nestel|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Addison spent four nights in jail, she told me on FaceTime during a period when she was out on her own recognizance.
Let’s Free Stacey Addison, The Oregon Woman Jailed at the Ends of the Earth|Christopher Dickey|October 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Luchkiw was released on her own recognizance, as would have normally been the case in such a bust.
A Sax Player, Then a Suspect After Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Final Act|Michael Daly|February 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She was released on her recognizance and is now back on the streets.
Amanda Bynes Wigs Out|Kevin Fallon|May 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He held it, but it was without pressure; without recognizance of the delight with which he once grasped it.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
"A writ of recognizance," the fat man said, handing his paper to the captain.
The Status Civilization|Robert Sheckley
Amos Jolliff discharged from his recognizance to attend as a witness.
The Old Pike|Thomas B. Searight
While here we one afternoon received orders to prepare for a recognizance.
Reminiscences of a Private|Frank M. Mixson
Never was there a bondsman offered more unfamiliar with the forms and ceremonies necessary to the record of the recognizance.
Tin-Types Taken in the Streets of New York|Lemuel Ely Quigg

British Dictionary definitions for recognizance

recognizance

recognisance

/ (rɪˈkɒɡnɪzəns) /

noun

law

a bond entered into before a court or magistrate by which a person binds himself to do a specified act, as to appear in court on a stated day, keep the peace, or pay a debt
a monetary sum pledged to the performance of such an act

an obsolete word for recognition

Derived forms of recognizance

recognizant or recognisant, adjective

Word Origin for recognizance

C14: from Old French reconoissance, from reconoistre to recognize

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

recognizance

Origin of recognizance

Words nearby recognizance

Words related to recognizance

How to use recognizance in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for recognizance

recognisance

Derived forms of recognizance

Word Origin for recognizance